How to build trust

[celloyogi]

So I know that Olive trusts me, loves me, and that we're buddies. But given her shyness in many situations, I've been thinking about what I can do to help her by reinforcing that trust. Example: With one exception, all the dogs in her obedience class are great. Some are not exactly the most well-mannered, but they're not aggressive, just annoying (to both of us - the owners are aware and working on it). The exception is a large, maybe 60lb boxer mix, about 2yo, who has twice gone after Olive. Not attacking, but play bordering on what I would deem aggressive, kind of what I've seen in dogs who are testing others in a new group (whose pair is bigger-type thing). The dog in question is a neutered male, btw. Owner doesn't quite seem to understand her dog's behavior as far as it does not "play" as just play. Olive was pretty good about it, just got away and tried to hide between my feet.

Obviously I will prevent and stop this type of interaction whenever possible. However, how should I do this to best demonstrate to Olive that she can trust I will always defend her? I put myself between her and other dogs, I move us away from same, etc. Is there anything else I can do? Not necessarily just in this situation but in general. Yeah, I know I could talk directly to the owner, and will if it happens again, but right now I'm looking at more of a big picture, building trust in and out of class.

Ideas?

[2GoodDogs]

You are doing the right things. Putting yourself in front and blacking the other dogs access, being the leader and proactive. Now the final thing, to let the offending parties know. This is the hardest step for me because I value politeness and manners and hate confrontation.

But, your dog will know.

I think the exercises that build trust are, out of sight stays, heads up heeling, blind retrieves...

Interesting to think about, what demonstrates a dogs trust?

[dblock]

you can try the "watch me," command, when someone's dog gets too close, just say 'watch me" and treat, it provides a distraction for about a second or two until the threat passes

[celloyogi]

Originally Posted by 2GoodDogs

You are doing the right things. Putting yourself in front and blacking the other dogs access, being the leader and proactive. Now the final thing, to let the offending parties know. This is the hardest step for me because I value politeness and manners and hate confrontation.

But, your dog will know.

I think the exercises that build trust are, out of sight stays, heads up heeling, blind retrieves...

Interesting to think about, what demonstrates a dogs trust?

About demonstrating trust, that's where I find it difficult. The rescues I've worked with have just needed patience and a kind, confident human. Maybe that's trust, I don't know. At the same time I wonder if I would appear more trustworthy, if I defend her in a way she can see, like shoving away the offender. Obviously I would do that in a heartbeat if the offender made physical contact but where's the line if contact isn't made? Where's the point where my action shows Olive I can be the protector but she also doesn't start to feel like everything is a threat? I know a human adult who is absolutely terrified of dogs because as a child he was scratched (no stitches, no scarring, it was very minor) and afterwards his parents shielded him from any/all contact with dogs. I want to protect, but not coddle.

I hadn't thought about doing the out-of-sight stays, heads-up heeling, and blind retrieves. Great ideas. I haven't worked with her much on heads-up heeling; she knows it but doesn't do it very long. Never occurred to me that maybe she doesn't trust me enough to know that I will steer her the right way, avoid uneven terrain, etc. We've been doing out-of-sight stays inside around a 90' hallway turn. I have a mirror in the corner where I can see her but she hasn't (yet) figured out she can see me. The cat waits with her so she's not alone.

[Margit]

Hello!

I think you should do a conrolled walk with the boxer mix both with leash, handlers in the middle.
So your little sweetheart gets normal to the boxer and loose attraction. She gets over the fear with you by your side and the trust in you will raise.
The boxer learns to can smell her without bother her.

Greeting!

Margit